Abstract: A spring clamp wherein a reduced effort is needed on the handle end as the engagement end is opened further. The spring clamp can include a clamping force adjustment means through the use of a spring pack, central rod and a folding adjuster. The spring clamp can also include low friction mounts at the ends of a spring pack to reduce user effort on the handle end.

Abstract: A calibrated vibrato for use with a stringed musical instrument that allows pitch change, while keeping the instrument in tune. The calibrated vibrato uses pre-set string guides with particular offsets and heights for specific types of strings. The calibrated vibrato can be used with the disclosed locking nut, adjustable spring and adjustable saddles. The locking nut provides lateral force on the strings and an interlocking design between blocks. The interlocking blocks allow the locking nut to be unscrewed, while reducing the change of accidentally having the end block fall off.

Abstract: A spring clamp wherein a reduced effort is needed on the handle end as the engagement end is opened further. The spring clamp can include a clamping force adjustment means through the use of a spring pack, central rod and a folding adjuster. The spring clamp can also include low friction mounts at the ends of a spring pack to reduce user effort on the handle end.

Abstract: A low friction tuner for use on stringed musical instruments is described in this application. The low friction tuner transfers the force of string tension from an area between the shoulder of the tuning knob and the tuner housing to a an area between a pointed tuning screw and bearing carrier, reducing the amount of force needed to turn the tuning knob when the string is under tension.

Abstract: A snare system for use with a drum has a snare assembly with snares extended longitudinally between opposite end plates. The end plates define a slot from a top surface to a bottom surface with obliquely extending walls. Two connectors, each with a strap carrying a latch member, are attached to opposite sides of the drum via its strap with latch member within the drum rim. Each latch member includes a flange with oblique configuration complimentary to the oblique slot in the end plates. The snare assembly is attached via sliding engagement of the respective flanges into the respective slots with the surfaces of each in surface-to-surface contact so that the connectors maintain the snare assembly attached to the drum. The snare assembly is removable quickly by reverse sliding of the flanges from the slots to interchange with a different snare assembly having end plates with a common configuration.

Abstract: A snare system for use with a drum has a snare assembly with snares extended longitudinally between opposite end plates. The end plates define a slot from a top surface to a bottom surface with obliquely extending walls. Two connectors, each with a strap carrying a latch member, are attached to opposite sides of the drum via its strap with latch member within the drum rim. Each latch member includes a flange with oblique configuration complimentary to the oblique slot in the end plates. The snare assembly is attached via sliding engagement of the respective flanges into the respective slots with the surfaces of each in surface-to-surface contact so that the connectors maintain the snare assembly attached to the drum. The snare assembly is removable quickly by reverse sliding of the flanges from the slots to interchange with a different snare assembly having end plates with a common configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable capo for a stringed musical instrument includes a front jaw with a top arm and a rear jaw with a bottom arm. The rear jaw is pivotally attached to the front jaw about a first axis with the top arm biased rotationally in a direction toward the bottom arm about the first axis. The bottom arm is attached to a rear handle in a pivotal relationship about a second axis that is independent from the first axis. An adjuster is configured to adjust the pressure applied by the top arm on the strings of a musical instrument when the instrument neck is clamped between the top arm and bottom arm.

Abstract: A low friction tuner for use on stringed musical instruments is described in this application. The low friction tuner transfers the force of string tension from an area between the shoulder of the tuning knob and the tuner housing to a an area between a pointed tuning screw and bearing carrier, reducing the amount of force needed to turn the tuning knob when the string is under tension.

Abstract: An adjustable capo for a stringed musical instrument includes a front jaw with a top arm and a rear jaw with a bottom arm. The rear jaw is pivotally attached to the front jaw about a first axis with the top arm biased rotationally in a direction toward the bottom arm about the first axis. The bottom arm is attached to a rear handle in a pivotal relationship about a second axis that is independent from the first axis. An adjuster is configured to adjust the pressure applied by the top arm on the strings of a musical instrument when the instrument neck is clamped between the top arm and bottom arm.

Abstract: A universal capo for use with a variety of stringed instruments and with a variety of gauged strings has an upper rigid arm extending longitudinally. A core block made from an elastomer with a first durometer is mounted to the rigid arm. A wrap layer made from an elastomer with a second durometer cradles the core block on the bottom and lateral sides and can extend over the top of the rigid arm. The second durometer hardness is at least 1.5 times the first durometer hardness and the core and wrap have thicknesses collectively contributing to a substantially even pressure on strings of varying gauges to effectively clamp the strings to the neck of an instrument without application of undue pressure.

Abstract: A universal capo for use with a variety of stringed instruments and with a variety of gauged strings has an upper rigid arm extending longitudinally. A core block made from an elastomer with a first durometer is mounted to the rigid arm. A wrap layer made from an elastomer with a second durometer cradles the core block on the bottom and lateral sides and can extend over the top of the rigid arm. The second durometer hardness is at least 1.5 times the first durometer hardness and the core and wrap have thicknesses collectively contributing to a substantially even pressure on strings of varying gauges to effectively clamp the strings to the neck of an instrument without application of undue pressure.

Abstract: An automatically actuating strap lock mechanism for use on instruments is disclosed. The multiple embodiments disclosed herein use an automatically actuating retaining mechanism to allow a user to attach the end of a strap to a strap button on an instrument without having to manipulate a lever or knob. The retaining mechanism is capable of being moved into the open position using the head of a strap button, allowing a user to slide the mechanism over a strap button. Once a strap button is seated in the strap lock mechanism, the retaining mechanism is automatically released, locking the strap button in place.

Abstract: An automatically actuating strap lock mechanism for use on instruments is disclosed. The multiple embodiments disclosed herein use an automatically actuating retaining mechanism to allow a user to attach the end of a strap to a strap button on an instrument without having to manipulate a lever or knob. The retaining mechanism is capable of being moved into the open position using the head of a strap button, allowing a user to slide the mechanism over a strap button. Once a strap button is seated in the strap lock mechanism, the retaining mechanism is automatically released, locking the strap button in place.

Abstract: A string clamping and tuning mechanism for stringed instruments is disclosed, where the string tension actuates one or more levers to generate two points of clamping force along the string. In a first embodiment, a single lever is used to generate two points of clamping force along the string. In a second embodiment, the clamping force is less concentrated at a first point of clamping force than a second point of clamping force to optimize the holding power of the mechanism. In a third embodiment, a second lever with a screw adjusted stop causes an increase or decrease in the tension in the string.

Abstract: A string clamping and tuning mechanism for stringed instruments is disclosed, where the string tension actuates one or more levers to generate two points of clamping force along the string. In a first embodiment, a single lever is used to generate two points of clamping force along the string. In a second embodiment, the clamping force is less concentrated at a first point of clamping force than a second point of clamping force to optimize the holding power of the mechanism. In a third embodiment, a second lever with a screw adjusted stop causes an increase or decrease in the tension in the string.